Last Bastion of Love

John talks about his early Christian experience...

John sings his testimony song. On Alan Jacobs' book "How to Think: A Survival Guide for a World at Odds" and its mention of the Long Now Foundation's form of debate. Why shouldn't we endeavor to understand the perspective of those who differ? Shouldn't we want the best for ALL people, instead of seeing others merely as a threat to our way of life? Darwin's testimony on how his loss of ability to enjoy certain things after formulating his theory (from Stephen Greenblatt's book "The Rise and Fall of Adam and Eve"), and on Darwin's theory being the source of the key idea of postmodernism. Scientists can give lip service to the wonderment science brings, even though its aim has been to remove the thought of design (God). Reads from Corey S. Powell's article on how a scientists wonders whether a consciousness field might exist in the universe (ala Rupert Sheldrake). On quantum mechanical interpretations (Copenhagen, many worlds, Bohmian/pilot wave, etc.) of the wave collapse and the argument for mind over matter. On discoveries that argue for a designed universe and the dilemma of those dedicated to materialistic/naturalistic explanations. Might not our choice of observations impact not only the present, but also the past?

John sings a couple songs. On Darwinism and the "loss of innocence" with its accompanying bitterness. On his struggle with Eeyore-ness. John sings the Handsome Family's "No One Fell Asleep Alone"~!

On being understanding towards those who believe strongly that what they have is of more profit to you than what they think you have. The issue of conflicting beliefs (i.e., the place of a woman in Amish society vs. feminism). Reading an Oberlin Review article re: missionaries of "the Mother God" on campus. On having met co-founder Sarah Barry at Northwestern U and participating briefly in University Bible Fellowship (UBF). On the serpent being lifted up in John 3:15 and its relationship to John 3:16. On the children of Israel's experience in the wilderness, etc. On the construction of the Bible over the experience of 1600 years of writing having the "bookends" of a unique couple and the progression in the romance. On Jesus coming in the likeness of the flesh of sin, and concerning sin, condemning sin in the flesh (Romans 8:3) as was the brass serpent. Flip Wilson's "The devil made me do it!" The inward nature of sin. What Jesus accomplished on the cross with regards to sin, both inwardly and outwardly. What is it about Satan? He challenges the idea that what God has arranged for us is necessary and the best. In this matter, women have been granted a particular privilege.

On John's early Christian experience, spoken over some youth camp attendants singing their songs. On John not celebrating holidays. On burning his shirt to make an impression. John 3:16. On the serpent lifted up in the wilderness by Moses and its relationship to Jesus and our "serpenty" nature. On the current cultural phenomena of the individual becoming chary of God and determined to set their own fate. On head covering in the Bible and how some women have found it empowering (according to some youtube videos). What right does God have over us, and if we take His arrangement, what is the gain? Examples in the Bible of honoring God's government.

In a form of audio palimpsest, John talks over a recording of himself playing songs. He wonders why rock bands are given a pass in the "Me Too" era when other celebrities are held feet to the fire, even with a shrine built to them in Cleveland. On an article re: friction between men and women in their competition over jobs. "No gender succeeds at the expense of others?" On inclusion, accommodation and assimilation in American culture. On debate. Wittgenstein and Tolstoy's "Gospel in Brief" and W's realization language couldn't settle certain issues. On James, the brother of Jesus who became leader of the church in Jerusalem, versus Paul who came into play out of Antioch, the first truly "Christian" church. On Peter chickening out when some came from James to Antioch during the meal.

Jesus Movement era music and some conversation about how gene splicing (CRISPR) might be used someday (?) for political purposes, such as removing tendencies or traits (or adding them). On the trend as to how women and men are depicted these days in movies, etc., as being equal in strength, speed, etc. John wonders at sex roles and the seeming disavowal of facts. On Bernard Haisch ("The Purpose Driven Universe," "The God Theory") and his arguments from quantum mechanics that it is reasonable to think there is a God. On our consciousness mirroring that which must be holding the universe together (Bishop Berkeley, etc.)

On the All Saved Freak Band and its times (the Jesus Movement). On the case from scientific evidence for mind being above matter from quantum mechanics.

On multiculturalism/pluralism and the freedom of speech and of association. How can one hold all cultures in equal value if one believes in an ultimate truth? How does the Darwinist (of natural selection) square such with one sub-group ceding power to another group in the name of justice? John's sense of equality being Biblically-based rather than rationally-based. On CRISPR and eugenics.

Finding videos on youtube abuot people who claimed to have gone to hell upon death and coming back. On various significant spans (i.e. 70 years) as in Jesus' parable of the fig tree, and the 6000 years based on geneologies in the Old Testament. "Easy believism." How we can have assurance based on who Jesus was and what He accomplished. On comments made by Christians, including Harold Camping, on the date of the Lord's return...but what about what needs to happen in Jerusalem first?